Study shows parents have little time to play games with their children

By alicia clow, Features Writer
Tuesday 26th August 2014

THE majority of Barnsley parents struggle to find time to play physical games with their children, a study has shown.

A survey commissioned by Team Activ - a social enterprise which offers sports support to Barnsley schools - and carried out in conjunction with Sheffield Hallam University, found 40 per cent of mums and dads confessed they only had time to play sport with their children at weekends.

Long working hours and commuter lifestyles mean three-quarters of those surveyed said they no longer have time to play physical games, ride a bike or play outdoors with their kids every day.

Only 26 per cent of Barnsley parents said they played sport with their children every day, with a further 30 per cent of those surveyed admitting they only played sport with their kids 'sometimes'.

Team Activ director, Darren Padgett, said: "When your children are young, you never get those days back again. Playing together gives parents a chance to communicate with their children and bonds your relationship."

** The full story appears in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated August 22. **